Common Winter Injuries part II

Pawsitively Helpful Pet Tips with

DR. DEB

"Common Winter Injuries

part II"

1.  Colder weather and frequent changes in barometric pressure as storms come and go, can create pain for dogs and cats with ARTHRITIS.

Your arthritic cat may move more stiffly, be more reluctant to jump up and down from regular spots and avoid stairs.  TIP: Some cats will enjoy water fountains made for pets that create a moving, aerated water source encouraging them to drink at floor level.  Adding an additional litter box or boxes on main indoor levels may encourage your cat to use their box rather than soiling elsewhere.  Visit your veterinarian to discuss possible other arthritis management options for your kitty.

Arthritic dogs may need help getting into vehicles, be reluctant  or refuse to go up/down stairs, and move with a stiff gait while running or even walking.  They may show a low or tucked  tail position, and move with rear legs together rather than individual long strides.  Dogs with arthritis may also have difficulty posturing for bathroom duties, possibly not completing their duties outdoors due to pain, especially in cold weather.  Later, they may soil in the house.  TIP: If there is an easier path to the outdoors that avoids flights of stairs, even if it means a leash walk to the front yard, your pet will thank you.

Older arthritic dogs may temporarily overcome discomfort with the adrenalin of a fresh snowfall.  Unfortunately, increased running and jumping activity, or possible a slip or fall can greatly exacerbate their arthritic pain.  TIP: Daily joint supplements of glucosamine and chondroitin can provide joint support-- we recommend Cosequin brand specifically made for proper absorption by dogs and cats.  Visit your veterinarian to discuss the many options available to help keep your pets as comfortable and active as possible.

4.  On a more serious note, the most common orthopedic injury we see any time of the year is ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) INJURY.  The ACL is a ligament in your dog's knee joint the prevents forward and backward movement between the thigh and shin bones, and it is most common among out-of-condition and overweight dogs.

"Post holing" through deep snow while running or slipping on ice are frequent causes of winter ACL injuries.  Dogs may suffer "acute-on-chronic" knee injuries if they've previously suffered partial ligament tears in the past, then  one of the above scenarios results in full tear.  Knee injuries are quite painful and cause sudden instability in the knee.  Your pet may cry out, and acutely become non-weight bearing on the affect leg.

TIP: Monitor you pet's weight closely--your veterinarian can help with proper weight goals, and dietary recommendations.  Remember to allow your dog to warm up a bit before going from "zero to eighty".  Brisk walking or trotting on a leash to stretch his legs may be a way to help your dog prepare for full running.  Begin outdoor exercise on a gradual basis working up to longer periods of running/high activity.  The minimum amount of exercise needed to maintain muscle tone is 20 minutes 3 times weekly, with more being most ideal.  

5.  The next most common serious winter orthopedic category include BACK AND NECK INJURIES; also, most common in overweight dogs.  Slipping and falling in ice or snow conditions while romping may result in muscle pulls, or more concerning, bulging or herniated discs in the neck or back.

If possible, your pet should be carried or walked slowly to a safe indoor place, and your veterinarian or after hours service contacted immediately.  Painful pets may snap or bite, so extreme caution should be used when handling pets with such injuries.  Excessive activity following certain back or neck injuries may cause additional serious damage.  If your dog acutely is unable to use his/her hind legs, it is an absolute emergency, as nerves in the spine could be compressed.

Dogs straining their leashes can also hurt themselves.  Teaching dogs from a young age to heel and leave slack in the leash can minimize injury, as well as to add enjoyment to dog walks for the human handler.  TIP: Head collars, such as Gentle Leaders, or various harnesses designed to reduce pulling such as the Easy Walk Harness, may be appropriate for better, safer control on leash walks.  Trainers may be of help re-training dogs of all ages.